Who Should I Start? Cooper Kupp or Michael Pittman Jr.

Friday, September 5, 2:13 PM

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Cooper Kupp is checking in as a flex option in Week 1 against the San Francisco 49ers. Kupp is coming off a season with the Rams that began very auspiciously but finished horrendously. Kupp was a clear-cut WR1 over the first half of the season, but he was completely phased out of the offense towards the end. He only earned nine targets over his final three games, and he moved on from the Rams this offseason. Kupp did not show any signs of slowing down when he was given opportunities in 2024. This is certainly not the same player who took the league by storm in 2021, but Kupp should present solid value out of the slot in Seattle. He is going to be where quarterback Sam Darnold needs him to be at all times. San Francisco presents a tough matchup in Week 1, but they will need to focus their energy on stopping wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba. Kupp's role in the slot is more immune to tough matchups than outside wide receivers, giving him flex value with solid WR2 upside in Week 1.

Tuesday, August 19, 3:06 PM

Indianapolis Colts wide receivers Michael Pittman Jr. (undisclosed) and Josh Downs (hamstring) are both out of training camp practice on Tuesday, according to James Boyd of The Athletic. Pittman appears to be dealing with a minor undisclosed ailment after making his preseason debut on Saturday against the Green Bay Packers. Meanwhile, Downs has been sidelined since suffering a hamstring injury in last Thursday's practice. Pittman should be good to go by the Week 1 regular-season opener, but Downs' timeline is a little more unclear. Indy's announcement on Tuesday that Daniel Jones will open the year as the starting QB is good news for all of the Colts' pass-catchers. Pittman had 808 receiving yards and only three touchdowns on 69 catches last year and will face more competition for targets from Downs, Adonai Mitchell and rookie tight end Tyler Warren.